Abigail Adams to James Lovell, May 13, 1781
May 13th [ , Start insertion, 1781 , End, ] 1
I wrote you by the last post 2 with a freedom
which perhaps you may think I had no right to make use of. I was stimulated to it by many
severe speaches that I had heard, and from not knowing myself what to say in paliation of my
Friend. All former excuses were worn out by time and tho I do not
believe the hard things I have heard, I think he ought to suffer any temporary inconvenience
which a short absence from the scene of his buisness might subject him to, rather than the
world should judge that he was devoid of all domestick attachments.
A report prevails here that the Alliance is arrived at Philadelphia. If so I hope I shall
again here from my dear connextions. I have been more unfortunate for six months past than
usual. Not a line has reachd me of a Later date than Septbr. The Fame on Board of which was
Mr. Guile upon his return from Holland, was taken off Newfoundland and carried to Ireland. By
that vessel I had large packets from all my Friends. No vessel has arrived from that port
since Davis in November, who threw over all his Letters. Two prizes arrived here last week
taken by the Alliance 3 days after she saild from France. If she is come to Philadelphia and
means to come round to Boston I would risk what property you have of mine and others in her
rather than by land. I hope what private Letters are come
will be well gaurded this way. What publick News she bring [s] that may be
communicated you will be so good as to write me. A French vessel arrived from Brest with an
admiral for Newport, but brought no private Letters. We are longing for News with a hungry
avidity. How will Holland realish the hard knocks she has received. Britain has done
sufficient to make them feel where it is said they are most Susceptable. She has taken and
distroyed so much of their property, that I should suppose they would retaliate with a
vengance.
I forgot to mention the receipt of your favour of April 13th it is dated but I believe it
was a mistake as the preceeding one was the 17th. 3
No invoice was ever sent in the Alliance as the Ship was throughly examined by my Friends.
This Buisness was transacted much like your continential cloathing, with the same attention
and Honesty. In the Name of all concernd I most sincerely thank you for your care and
attention as well to others, as to your obliged Friend,
Portia